A good leather armchair does more than add a seat. It gives you a reading spot, a place to sit with a coffee, and a piece that makes a living room look finished.
Choosing one is harder than it looks. There are different shapes, leather colours and sizes, and the wrong pick can feel too big, too low or too stiff. This guide covers the main styles, how to get the size right, and which leather colour suits your home.
Why Choose a Leather Armchair?
Leather handles daily use well. It wipes clean, resists everyday wear and softens over time. Fabric tends to look tired sooner, especially on armrests and seat cushions.
A leather armchair also works in many rooms. Place it in the lounge beside a sofa, in a bedroom corner, in a study or in a quiet reading nook.
If you are buying leather armchairs in Australia, the climate matters too. Real leather is breathable, so it feels comfortable in both summer and winter. Our leather sofa guides cover this in more detail.
Leather Armchair Styles Compared
Tub Armchair
A tub chair has a rounded back that curves into the arms. It feels snug and suits smaller spaces.
Best for - compact lounges, bedrooms and reading corners.
Wingback Armchair
A wingback has tall sides that rise from the backrest. The look is classic, and the "wings" give your head and shoulders extra support.
Best for - traditional or formal rooms, studies and anyone who likes a more upright seat.
Swivel Armchair
A swivel chair turns on its base. You can face the TV, the window or the people you're talking to without moving the chair.
Best for - open-plan living areas and rooms where you want flexibility.
High Back Armchair
A high back chair supports your upper back, neck and head. It suits long sitting sessions and is a good choice if you have a tall frame.
Best for - reading, relaxing and anyone who wants full back support.
Recliner Armchair
If you want to put your feet up, a recliner is worth a look. Browse our recliner chairs to compare the options.
How to Get the Size Right
Size is the most common mistake people make with armchairs. Measure before you shop.
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Measure your space - Mark the footprint on the floor with masking tape. Leave about 60 to 90 cm of walking space around the chair.
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Check the seat height - Your feet should rest flat on the floor with your knees at a comfortable angle. If you are shorter, a lower seat is usually easier. If you are taller, look for a higher seat.
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Check the seat depth - A deep seat suits lounging. A shallower seat suits upright sitting and is easier to get out of.
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Think about the sofa - If the armchair sits beside a sofa, the two should feel balanced. A chair that is much taller or lower than the sofa can look out of place.
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Measure the doorway - Check your front door, hallway and stairs before you buy. A swivel base or high wings can make a chair harder to move through tight spaces.
Every chair is different, so check the dimensions listed on each product page. You can also visit a showroom and sit in the chairs yourself.
Choosing a Leather Colour
Brown Leather Armchair
A brown leather armchair is the most popular choice. It looks warm and goes with timber floors, neutral walls and most décor. Brown also tends to hide everyday marks well.
Black Leather Armchair
A black leather armchair gives a sharper, more modern look. It works well in contemporary homes and pairs nicely with light walls and bright accents.
Tan, Cream and Grey
Lighter shades make a room feel open and bright. They suit smaller rooms and homes with plenty of natural light. They show marks more easily, so they suit lower-traffic spaces.
Tip: Look at the leather in person if you can. Colours look different on a screen than they do in your lounge room.
What to Look for in Quality
Not all leather is the same. Before you buy, check these points:
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Leather type - Genuine leather feels natural, with small variations in the grain. Perfectly uniform, rubbery material may be faux. Our guide on how to spot a fake leather sofa works for armchairs too.
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Frame and seat support - A solid frame and good seat support keep the chair comfortable for years.
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Stitching and edges - Even stitching and clean edges are signs of careful work.
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Care - Wipe leather with a soft, dry cloth and use a proper leather conditioner. Avoid harsh cleaners.
Visit Our Auburn and Chatswood Showrooms
Seeing a chair in person helps. You can sit in it, check the height and depth, and compare leather colours side by side.
You can visit us at:
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Auburn - 181-185 Parramatta Rd
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Chatswood - 552-554 Pacific Hwy
Browse our full arm chair range online, or talk to our team about sizing and colour choices.
FAQs
Q1: What is the most comfortable style of leather armchair? A: It depends on how you sit. High back and wingback chairs give more support for reading. Tub chairs feel snug. Swivel chairs are the most flexible.
Q2: What size leather armchair do I need? A: Measure your space first and leave room to walk around the chair. Then match the seat height and depth to your body.
Q3: Is a brown or black leather armchair better? A: Brown suits warmer, more traditional rooms and hides marks well. Black suits modern spaces and gives a bolder look.
Q4: Can I buy a leather armchair in Australia with delivery? A: Demir Leather offers Australia-wide delivery. Contact the team to confirm delivery details for your area.
Q5: How do I look after a leather armchair? A: Dust it regularly, wipe spills straight away and condition the leather a few times a year. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heaters.
